Ex-Rutgers CB Marcus Cooper impresses at pro day

Marcus Cooper emerged as the biggest winner from Rutgers’ annual pro day today in Piscataway, although fellow cornerback Brandon Jones, safety Duron Harmon and linebacker Steve Beauharnais also gave their NFL draft stock a boost.

The 6-2, 192-pound Cooper, a part-time starter with Jones last season, turned in the second-fastest 40 times (4.43 and 4.47), had the best vertical leap (39 inches) and the top showing in the broad jump (10 feet, nine inches) as scouts from all 32 NFL teams watched 15 players from last year’s Rutgers team participate in various drills.

A total of 17 players from the 2012 roster were on hand, but cornerback Logan Ryan and wide receiver Mark Harrison opted not to participate in the main drills. Both had solid showings at last month’s NFL Combine.

The 6-2, 191-pound Jones, meanwhile, was timed in 4.47 and 4.48 for the 40 and had the fastest showing (of 12) in the three-cone, in the 20 shuttle (of 12) and in the 60 shuttle (of seven).

Harmon, a 6-2, 196-pound safety, was timed in 4.45 and 4.58 for his two tries in the 40.

Beauharnais, a three-year starter at middle linebacker, showed significant improvement of his NFL Combine performance. The 6-1, 234-pound was timed in 4.6 and 4.66 for the 40 (compared to 4.84 at the Combine) and produced a 36-inch vertical leap (after a 33 at the Combine).